Customer Reviews

PlayStation Portable Entertainment Pack

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I admittedly struggled with the above question for months as my Game Boy Advance collected dust. Moreover, local videogame store employees near-unanimously favored the DS to the PSP; several indicated they traded in the latter for the former after a few months' time. Sales figures for the DS vs. PSP confirmed this preference globally.

After a few weeks' time with the PSP, however, I'm now convinced that title loyalty (Zelda, Mario) sell systems not quality. The PSP -- across the board -- is a vastly superior offering to the DS for several reasons. Simply put, this is the greatest handheld since the Atari Lynx nearly two decades ago, technology so robust you feel almost guilty that it's not tethered to a television screen.

First things first, the screen is absolutely gorgeous. Bursting with resolutions in the thousands, games seem much bigger than the PSP screen, the UMD movies magnificent. Related, in-game text -- often fuzzy in XBox and PS2 menus -- is sharp as can be on the PSP.

Further, the Sony system software is ingenius. Transferring music, video, and movies is seamless via a computer's USB input. Even on a Mac this process is seamless. A simple recognition of the USB connection, create a couple folders, drag and drop. Voila! It's right there on the PSP. Also, games are cached (akin to a DVR on pause) even when turning off the PSP. A clever programming element of the system software + definite plus to counter ocassionally long load times. Finally, access to wireless firmware updates keep the PSP from being hampered by hardware/software compatibility flaws.

Related, I'm not sure why little/nothing has been said about the robust wireless capabilities of the PSP. Easy to setup, clearly capable on a wireless network, nearly every game contains some form of built-in wireless feature. The PSP can surf the Web on the fly, powered by a surprisingly solid browser.

Available titles (movies and games) for the PSP blows away the DS selection. It's akin to having a PS2's library at 1/3rd less the cost in most instances. As a sports/adventure gamer, this is THE system when you're looking for a new title to add to a collection.

Finally for those pondering which of the PSP 'Packs' to pick up (even with the recent, discounted Core System), I highly recommend the Entertainment Pack's heftier price point versus more bare bones and/or used options. A decent memory stick will diminish the $50 in savings the base pack offers, plus the Entertainment Pack is equipped with a surprisingly good game (ATV Racing) and movie ('Lords of Dogtown'). Both are literally out of the box proof of the potency of the PSP.

Still, the PSP is not perfect. The gorgeous screen alluded to above will have dead pixels. (Mine has a trio.) Also, this same screen scratches very easily. I strongly suggest a $10 screen guard + $20 system case at time of purchase. The former might trap a couple of lint particles when applying it, but it beats the bejeebuz out of permanent scratches. Ditto on purchasing a case ($10) for the UMD titles. You certainly don't want those getting scratched as well.

Second, those expecting exact ports of PS2 will be disappointed. Due to the limited buttons on the PSP (versus PS2), titles possess subtle reprogramming to compensate. There will always be functionality removed as a result. The biggest question is whether the tradeoff for mobility is a worthy one for each of these games.

Third, battery life is -- at best -- 6 hours. While the lithium recharges quickly, it is not DS quality in time between charges.

In sum: If you're not married to Nintendo-specific titles, the PSP is arguably a superior system across the board to the DS. A more robust system, vast title catalog, 'open' wireless capabilities, and guilty pleasure of having a portable top flight game system make the PSP a winner. Three months in and I'm admittedly playing this more than my Wii.

First of, I would like to say that this is a very much better pack than the other value pack. If you're like me, and you want to put music or videos on it (I have roughly 200 songs and 20 min of video) you definitely need more than 32 MB. 32 MB, is like one relatively small album, or a 5 minute video. Heck, even 1 GB may not be enough, but its a start at least. The estra 50 is already put to good use to right here.

The game that comes with it is also very good. Its a ATV game, and its quite fun. Theres races, freestyles, eliminations, competitions, all types of things. Its pretty good, considering its free. (Since the 1 GB chip is normally 50 anyway).

To be honest, I only played the movie for a little bit to check if both the PSP and UMD worked. They all checked out, but I didn't watch it, and I probably won't. But, again, its free.

The PSP itself:

A lot of people have said that the DS is better. If you ever meat one of these people I suggest you beat them over the head with a large blunt object. One of thier main arguements is the games... "water-down ports". This means that they are PS2 games minus a bit. But, look at the name. Portable Playstation... Its a PS2 on the go. Sure you may have/ be able to buy them for PS2, but you cant take them with you.

The screen is an amazing peice of work. I have no dead pixels, and no scratches or anytihng like that. You might want to get a case to protect this from becoming damaged. The PSP has much better graphics and is much clearer and sharper. The two DS screens = PSP screen.

The controls are very superb, except for the minor [] button issue, but its not that big of a deal. The control stick, with is really a slidable nub, was very nice, and I hope the DS is the last console without one.

The PSP is about the same size as a closed original DS in Width and Height and about and inch longer. It only seems larger due to its larger screen.

The PSP Sound was quite good, and has four speakers (look like screw holes) on the top and bottom. The audio quality was much better than the iPod.

The battery is a little bit of a concern. It lasts only 5 hours, but I suggest buying another for those long car rides.

Well, thats about it, Thank You for reading, and I hope I helped!

Okay, so I'm a gal in my 40's, but who cares, the PSP is so cool that you will love it at just about ANY age...I know I do!

I bought this Entertainment Pack, as opposed to only the core unit, solely for the extra Gig memory stick included (a must have in my opinion)..the game and movie were an added plus.

This beats all of the other portable gaming devices out there by far, even with the price, because it's not JUST a gaming device, it's a whole multimedia experience! This one truly is geared more for young adults and older due to price, fragility of the unit, game selections, and internet capabilities though. It's an adults dream come true!!!

I carry a laptop with me when I travel, but this is a great device to have with me on trips where laptops don't normally go (think shopping mall while resting at the food court, treks through flea markets, fishing or camping trips, etc). It's so small and lightweight it fits into a fanny-pack.

Just be sure to also buy a protective hard case for it at the time of purchase of the unit, as the screen is VERY prone to damage due to the fragility of it. Take good care of it and it should last a very long time.

Highly recommended!

the graphics are very clear. i got the entertainment pack because the console and the 1g memory stick alone was the same price. i thought i would have no interest in the movie "lords of dogtown" but i had to see what the movies looked like, i ended up not only watching the whole movie but liking it. it is like having a personal dvd console. if you are going to get a PSP your money should be on the entertainment pack. although i ended up liking the movie and game. i wish that sony would allow you to pick your game and movie.

Last year, I was contemplating getting an iPod and a PSP, and decided to go ahead and go on with getting an iPod as I am basically obsessed with music. However, I got a PSP for Christmas this year and am highly impressed with its features. It holds a fair amount of music (though not as much as an iPod) and has outstanding graphics available on it's small widescreen. It's controls are similar to a PS2's controller, and its wireless capabilities are outstanding. I have hooked up and played over our wireless internet connection similar to the way I have over XBOX Live, however, with the PSP, there is no subscription fee. Over all, the PSP is a great system, especially for on the road and vacation.

This pack is way better than the core or value. The ATV game is awesome and the movie is cool and free. Also the 1GB memory stick is mutch better than the worthless 32MB.

This is the fourth configuartion pack of the PSP. FIrst was the value, the Giga, and the Core. All of them contain the PSP, but I am here to tell you if thie package is worth the money, or who this package is reccomended for. (for the review of the PSP itself, see my core review. I have not wrote it yet, but stay tuned on my profile if you want my thoughts on the PSP).

this is the must get one, as long as you like the two UMDs packed in for free. ATV OFfroad fury is a solid game, but it's not to special. MX vs. ATV Unleashed On the Edge was way better (read my review). If you liked the movie, then you are getting a good deal. And of course, the 1 GB mem stick is a definite plus. That is alot of memory compared to the meager 32 MB stick. YOu can put alot of photos on your memory stick. Photos look gorgeous on your PSP, and they are highly entertaining along with your games. Also, some movies are great to.

HOwever, there are some things to consider as well. If you don't like the two UMDs, they your just paying for the 1GB stick. But since you are the consumer and I am trying to help you with your buying decision, the stick might be outdated by that time. Just yesterday I went to Gamestop and noticed that they already had 4 GB memory sticks. This is just basically showing how technology is getting alot better. Now, I am not saying that 1GB stick is not worth it, it certainly is, but it's just saying that if your getting it just for that and you never plan on getting another stick for some reason, my advice would be just to get the value pack (if you can find them). Even though you get a small stick, it's great for just game saves.

Overall, this is a great value somewhat, just make sure the two UMDs you are getting are worth the money. Heck, all the PSP packages are worth somethign. Just being the consumer, I will tell you what packages are worth it. Stay Tuned.

Great bundle deal, separately it would have been about $250-300. The memory stick itself costs about $40-50. Took it on a long plane trip and it kept me entertained. Invest in an extra battery so you aren't having to charge it so often.

This is a amazing piece of technology all wrapped into one. Its wireless connection brings unlimited fun towards this portable entertainment center. It also has the ability to play numerous games, have your own personal settings, and a MP3 and MP4 download for music. Its color LCD widescreen has great definition and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. This all in one entertainment system is sure to amaze children from ten to ninety-two and maybe even a few a bit younger and a bit older.

Even though is a little expensive especially if you compare it with the nintendo DS if you now what to do with this one you'll see that is better to have this awesome graphics in the palm of your hand than having a stylus to play with not that good graphics.